10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,183 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #6

Nov 162020

X5

  • 166,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at 62 mph, the passive tank level sensor failed. The contact that stated that the vehicle then went into limp mode not allowing him to exceed 50 mph while driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to valley BMW (4725 mchenry ave, modesto, ca 95356) where it was diagnosed with the passive tank level sensor needing to be replaced. The contact wanted a second opinion and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the mechanic confirmed the first result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a well known issue. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

- Stockton, CA, USA

problem #5

Apr 042015

X5 6-cyl

  • 74,000 miles
I was on my way out of town on interstate 94W, when without warning my vehicle started to slow down and I could not accelerate. A sensor displayed stating the vehicle was overheating and to drive moderately. I was in the fast lane and had to get over at a moment's notice even with the vehicle slowing down. The second occurrence was on a busy street with a speed limit of 45 mph, and the car overheated, and stated "engine hot" and it proceeded to shut down. I could not accelerate and was almost hit from behind but the car switched to another lane at the last minute. This car put my life into danger 2 times to many. Something needs to happen before someone dies.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #4

Feb 062012

X5 6-cyl

  • miles
Vehicle caught on fire on 02/06/12 at 0300 while parked in garage. According to miami's fire department this was not deemed arson/vandalism, no evidence of forced entry or accelerate was noted. A recall for high pressure fuel pump has been issued for such model.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #3

Jun 072011

X5

  • 6,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact observed excessive rust and corrosion within the fuel tank, exhaust system and the attaching components. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the owner would be responsible for the repair expenses. The vehicle was not repaired. On a separate occasion, the contact stated that smoke emitted from underneath the hood while driving. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and stopped. The contact examined the vehicle and stated that there was a substantial amount of oil loss in the reservoir. The contact then added more oil accordingly. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who refused to measure the oil manually per the consumers request, the manufacturer was notified of the failure and reimbursed the consumer for two days of motel, food and towing costs. Unable to locate a failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000. Updated 3/11/13 BMW offered to buy the vehicle back, but later changed their mind. The case went to court, and the judge ruled the offer was not binding. The consumer also stated the vehicle would run hot, and the vehicle would not go into gear.

- Escondido, CA, USA

problem #2

Aug 122011

X5 6-cyl

  • 17,800 miles
Engine stalled while driving. Warning lamps indicated reduced power. Several occurrences were at speed on the interstate. Car would restart after sitting for several hours. Car was left with BMW for service. However, BMW said they could not replicate the problem and did not perform any repairs the first time. Car again died while driving at speed on highway several weeks later. BMW stated that there was loss of engine compression. Then, stated that fuel injectors were faulty. Then, claimed that it was due to "bad gas" and/or sugar in the gas tank.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #1

Aug 142011

X5 6-cyl

  • 1,300 miles
2012 BMW X5. Upon engine start up when cold, the engine surges excessively. If the transmission is engaged during the surging (fluctuating RPM) the vehicle lurches forward/reverse causing a dangerous situation and potential accident.

- Charlotte, NC, USA